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Purpose: To address the educational gaps and support needs of patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery. The LARSCAT project aimed to develop comprehensive resources to better inform patients and enhance their quality of life. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023. Seven focus groups were formed, including six patients, two surgeons, and three nurses. Patients had undergone rectal cancer surgery with stoma reversal 2 to 12 years earlier, and all experienced major LARS. The focus groups, held in-person and online, explored the impact on daily life, social and sexual health, mood, rest, and relationships. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key issues and support strategies following the COREQ guidelines. Results: Participants reported insufficient information regarding potential dysfunctions after rectal cancer surgery, and difficulties finding reliable information online. The timing of receiving information varied according to individual coping mechanisms. LARS symptoms significantly impacted daily life, social activities, sexual health, and mood. Patients emphasised the need for more tailored information and supplementary written materials to read at their own pace. Consequently, three comprehensive documents were created and made available online. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap in patient education on the long-term effects of rectal cancer surgery. The resources developed by the LARSCAT project aim to provide essential support to patients and healthcare professionals. Future research should focus on integrating these resources into routine care and evaluating their impact on patient outcomes and quality of life.
(2024) Ribas, Yolanda; Muñoz-Duyos, Arantxa; Franquet, Marta; Guerreiro, Isabel; Perau, Jordi; Porras, Oscar; Rodríguez, Dolores; Rojo, Jorge; Ramírez, Lucía; Rubio, Mercè; Marinello, FrancoObjective: To examine the relationships between total body fatness and abdominal fat distribution with peripheral arterial disease. Design: Cross-sectional. Subjects: Population-based sample of 708 men aged 55-74. Measurements: Body mass index (BMI) to estimate total body fatness and waist-to-hip ratio for abdominal fat distribution; peripheral arterial disease defined by ankle/brachial index <0.9; cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Peripheral arterial disease was observed in 13.4% of subjects. BMI did not correlate with peripheral arterial disease, whereas an increased waist-to-hip ratio over 0.966 (median value) doubled the prevalence of arterial disease. After controlling for smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, increased waist-to-hip ratio was independently associated with peripheral arterial disease (odds ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval 1.05-2.70). Conclusion: Abdominal fat distribution, but not total body fatness, is associated with peripheral arterial occlusive disease, independently of concurrent cardiovascular risk factors.
(2001) Planas, A.; Clará Velasco, Alberto; Pou, José María; Vidal-Barraquer, Francesc; Gasol, Ana; Moner, Ana de; Contreras, Carmen; Marrugat de la Iglesia, Jaume (2021) Albareda i Salvadó, Joaquim; Sallés i Vilaseca, Núria
(2025) Anastasopoulou, Panagiota; Porter, Alastair; Font Corbera, Frederic